I also believe that the people who determined the canon of scripture chose on the basis of which works portrayed God as they understood God. Does this make it less "inspired", a human choice rather than a Spirit-guided choice? If we believe in the idea of a "people of God", we have to accept that they would be guided somehow, not by a giant hand or spiritual possession, but a feeling for when something sounds right, consistent with what is already understood. An account that strayed too far from the subject or that portrayed a God inconsistent with well-established books would be rejected. An account that challenged a conventional, complacent view of God, yet was itself consistent with accepted doctrines might be accepted. At its best, every scripture will fall short of perfection, but it can still point the way (in a human way) toward God.

Consider the fact that there are no surviving originals of any of the books in the Bible. We have only copies of copies of copies, and they don't agree. There are as many arguments about them as there are people qualified to argue. Yet the faith survives. A thousand Christian denominations disagree on specific doctrines, yet they share enough of the essentials to recognize what makes them Christian. It's the stupid details that cause the strife, and God hasn't shown any interest in "correcting" the "errors". Perhaps this is what Jesus meant in distinguishing between the "letter" and the "spirit". We should be less concerned with the trivial details of scripture and more with its meaning.

I mean, taken to its logical course, you should also sell your cars, buy horses and join a Mennonite or Amish community.

But…even the Mennonites and Amish use battery powered cash registers and computers!

Listen, the faithful disciple Lydia, who learned of Christ from Paul in the book of Acts, was a dealer in purple cloth. Think about that. Only kings and nobles could afford purple cloth and fine raiment! But Paul did not discourage her from trading in this beautiful merchandise.

It's true we should avoid the ways of the "world". But what is the world? "Kosmos" in Greek means "order" as in "the world order".

It is the corruption of human culture, such as hankering after undue riches, covetousness, yearning after pre-eminence, honor and the applause of men.

It is perfectly legitimate to have money beyond our needs to share, as did Barnabas. Zacchaeus did not give up all his wealth, but only half. The apostle Paul in Acts 17 *quotes* the Greek philosophers, which meant that he owned and studied books by non-believing Greeks!

As for the Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien loved Christ. He was a Catholic, not a Protestant as I guess you are, but Tolkien was heavily responsible for converting the originally-atheist C.S. Lewis to Christ! In that way, Tolkien indirectly touched millions with the Gospel, thanks to the works of Lewis that include "Mere Christianity", "Miracles", "God in the Dock", and the "Narnia Chronicles".

It's true that we should be open to "the renewing of our minds in Christ Jesus" (Romans 12:1-2), but that does not mean we must dump everything of American culture.

Your daughter is not being led away from Christ by watching Shrek, and one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit is gentleness. He ought not be so rough with her feelings.

I would humbly suggest that, like Lydia, and Paul, and Barnabas, your husband might reconsider this question and realize that not everything in the culture is bad. If we use it to enjoy the good life God has given us, and if things do not lead us into sin, they should not be forbidden. "It is for freedom Christ has set us free", said Paul. "Don't let yourself come under a yoke of bondage" (Galatians 5:1).

Here's praying that this will all work out. God bless you!

And yes, I go to church weddings and christenings. I even like singing some of the hymns I was taught as a child.

Some of Europe's churches are magnificent.

But just to go along to a service? No – I know what it is, and I am utterly unable to accept any of it is true.

Please let your friend know that sometimes, it is God's will that we move on and learn. I went through a divorce and it was very trying on me religiously. I spent a lot of time with my Pastor and with God. I cannot tell you how happy I am today that I made that decision. This is a decision that she needs to make for herself. Then, she can forgive herself. I am now re-married to a wonderful Christian man and we have a great life. Please tell your friend that her husband does not have Christ in his heart, therefore, there is not room for her. She needs to move on, as painful as that is now – she will be better off later.

God's Blessings and good luck to you!